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Welcome to the 49ers Paradise
Draft Field. Your one stop location for NFL Draft 2005 News!
This page will be constantly updated and will include real-time updates on
draft day. Be sure to follow the draft directly from 49ers Paradise.

With their first overall
selection, and the first pick in the 2005 draft, the 49ers selected
quarterback Alex Smith. The 20 year old quarterback is regarded by
most as the best quarterback in this years draft, although there is some
debate as to whether or not he will be ready to start this season.
Smith is a mobile passer, a fierce competitor, and has more than
adequate arm strength. He will have to adjust to pro-style
offenses in the NFL but will benefit from his experience reading
defenses and improvising at the collegiate level.

Round 2, Pick 1
#64, David Baas, Center/Guard, 6-4", 319 lbs, 5.04/40

The 49ers offensive line has
been a real concern over the last three years, and last year in
particular. Baas gives the 49ers a versatile offensive lineman who
will compete immediately to start. Regarded as one of the top
interior defensive lineman in the draft, and of recent years, Baas will
likely contribute as a guard, and a back up center. He adds good
size and athleticism to the offensive line, and falls in line with
giving the team's new quarterback Alex Smith all the tools he will need
to succeed in the NFL.

Round 3, Pick 1
#21, Frank Gore, Running Back, 5'9", 212 lbs, 4.65/40

49ers' Kevan Barlow struggled
in his first year as the featured back for the team. To help shore
up the offensive backfield the 49ers drafted Frank Gore. Gore is a
big back and is good between the tackles. He is recovering from
two knee surgeries which is a big concern for the team. Gore will
likely see time at running back, but is not likely to start this year.
In drafting Gore, the 49ers might be considering establishing a
combination backfield similar to the Kevan Barlow and Garrison Hearst
tandem in the past.

The 49ers drafted their second
offensive lineman after trading back into the third round. Giving
up their 4th and 6th round selections, the 49ers acquired the Eagles
pick to draft Adam Snyder. Snyder, a versatile lineman, can play
guard and tackle. He is likely going to compete for a backup spot
to Kwame Harris and provides some insurance in the event that the newly
revamped offensive line need some added strength and depth. Snyder
also fills the whole that losing Kosier to the Lions created.

With no fourth round pick, it
was not until the first pick in the fifth round that the 49ers drafted a
defensive player. Ronald Fields is a true nose tackle, something
the 49ers do not currently have on their roster. Fields will
challenge Isaac Sopoaga and Anthony Adams for a starting spot at nose
tackle, but is most likely to factor in the rotation rather than as a
starter. Fields is a presence in the middle of the line, but does
not have overwhelming height or weight.

The 49ers used their second
fifth round pick on Rasheed Marshall a quarterback who is expected to
make the transition to receiver in the NFL. Marshall is an
athletic player but could be a bit of a reach for the 49ers this early
in the draft. A versatile player, no doubt - but the 49ers have
plenty of projects at receiver to begin with, including Derick Hamilton,
Arnaz Battle and P.J. Fleck. The 49ers may see this tough
competitor as a special teams competitor, but likely could have taken
him a little later in the draft.

Round 6, Pick 31
Derrick Johnson, Cornerback, 5-11", 188 lbs, 4.44/40

The 49ers second defensive
player drafted, Derrick Johnson, is a cornerback. The 49ers have
been battling to fill their cornerback spots over the last few years,
and have suffered through an injury plagued defensive backfield in
recent years. Johnson will compete for a backup position,
especially if Mike Rumph remains at cornerback rather than moves to
safety. An athletic corner, Johnson needs to work on engaging the
receivers at the line.

Perhaps the most athletic
player the 49ers drafted is Daven Holly. Holly runs a 4.37 / 40
and played both cornerback and receiver in college. The 49ers
likely see Holly as a cornerback, but Holly can likely contribute on
specail teams too. Holly has good hands, and very good speed and
agility. He will compete for a backup corner spot, and will have
an intense battle with fellow rookie Derrick Johnson. In taking
two cornerbacks the 49ers are clearly guarding against the past problems
they have had at the position.

Marcus Maxwell was the 49ers
second selection in the 7th round. The athletic receiver took
advantage of his opportunities when receivers in front of him went down
with injury. Maxwell is not quite as polished as others in the
draft as he missed some preparation time due to a shoulder injury.
He is fast and tall though which should allow him to compete with
Rasheed Marshall and the rest of the depth players at the receiver
position for the 49ers. Again, drafting a receiver does not really
fill any need for the team at this point.

Round 7, Pick 34
Patrick Estes, Tight End, 6-6", 268 lbs, 4.79/40

The 49ers tight end position
has been fairly stable with Eric Johnson and Aaron Walker holding down
the fort. Patric Estes though, provides thet eam with a really
aggressive and tough tight end who will fight for the ball in the middle
of the field. He has a very big frame and if he ads weight he
could be a project at tackle or guard on the offensive line. He is
a good blocker and continues to play whistle to whistle. Estes is
not the fastest tight end and need to work at getting off the line of
scrimmage.

Round 7, Pick 35
Billy Bajema, Tight End, 6-4 7/8", 261 lbs, 4.8/40

The 49ers final pick of the
draft was also a tight end selection. A talented player who is
also very smart. Billy Bajema, has big arms and a really solid
upper body. He is a good pass blocker and adjust well to the ball
when it's in the air. Needs to become stronger, particularly in
his lower body and work on his hands to get off his blocks. Bajema
will compete with fellow rookie Patrick Estes for a spot as the teams
third tight end.

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